There have been more than a few situations lately in traffic that could have gone really wrong, very easily, had I not been paying attention. Well, I just learned that Texas is tied with Montana (Isn’t that where they mostly ride horses?) for the third-worst drivers in the country. Texans are especially bad about driving drunk, with nearly 46% of all traffic deaths involving a driver that had been drinking. 27.2% of traffic deaths involve speeding.
The Treasury Department and IRS announced that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021. The IRS will provide guidance soon. “This continues to be a tough time for many people, and the IRS wants to continue to do everything possible to help taxpayers navigate the unusual circumstances related to the pandemic, while also working on important tax administration responsibilities,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “Even with the new deadline, we urge taxpayers to consider filing as soon as possible, especially those who are owed refunds. Filing electronically with direct deposit is the quickest way to get refunds, and it can help some taxpayers more quickly receive any remaining stimulus payments they may be entitled to.” Individual taxpayers do not need to file any forms or call the IRS to qualify for this automatic federal tax filing and payment relief. If you need additional time, request an extension.
March’s full Moon, the Worm Moon, reaches peak illumination on Sunday, 03/28. As the temperature begins to warm and the ground begins to thaw, earthworm casts appear, heralding the return of the robins, thus the origin of March’s full moon, named the Full Worm Moon. The more northern Native American tribes knew this Moon as the full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signaled the end of winter. If you have never had a Howl at the Moon party, here is your opportunity.
The Supreme Court agreed to review a lower court opinion that wiped away the death sentence of Dxhokhar Tsarneav, one of the brothers convicted in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing that ultimately killed 5 people and injured more than 260.Tsarnaev was convicted in 2015, but an appeals court overturned his death sentence. The case is considered a possible test for the Biden administration’s position on the death penalty. If it moves forward, the process could start in the fall, and a decision likely by next year. The kid may have been only 19 years-old, but he knew better.
The Texas Department of Health Services says that all adults in Texas will be eligible to receive the vaccine beginning Monday, March 29. This is great news. The American Red Cross says antibodies are present in about 1 in 5 blood donations from unvaccinated people. Interesting.BrazoriaCountyTx.gov now has information concerning Weekly State Vaccine Allocation Locations.
If you read this column often, you know that I mention Krispy Kreme often. They just announced that if you have a valid vaccine card you will receive a free glazed doughnut once a day for the rest of 2021. That is around 280 days, give or take. If only I lived in Houston! Just one more incentive to offer vaccinated people so we can get our world back to normal. One doctor was not so happy about the deal. He said, “Krispy Kreme offering free doughnuts for getting vaccinated is like Marlboro offering free cigarettes for getting a flu shot. We have an obesity epidemic in this country that is killing us. Corporations that ride the COVID-19 vaccine as a marketing ploy for junk food is terrible…” Sounds like someone got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Krispy Kreme is offering what they have. Donuts. Last year they gave away over 30 million doughnuts to health care workers, first responders, teachers, coaches, and graduating seniors to help keep spirits up. Nice. A Phoenix marijuana dispensary is offering its own incentive, free edibles to people who show their vaccine card. I wonder if the doctor thinks this is better or worse than a donut.
RECENT BIRTHDAYS: Singer-keyboardist Rose Stone of Sly and the Family Stone is 76. Actor Timothy Dalton is 75. His portrayal of Bond was darker and more serious. Bassist Conrad Lozano of Los Lobos is 70. Composer Stephen Sondheim is 91. Actor William Shatner is 90. Singer Jeremy Clyde of Chad and Jeremy is 80. Singer-guitarist George Benson is 78. Give Me the Night. Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber is 73. Sportscaster Bob Costas is 69. Singer-actor Stephanie Mills is 64. Dorothy in the original 7 Time Tony Award Winning Broadway run of the musical The Wiz. Singer Chaka Khan is 68.Singer Diana Ross is 77.Comedian Louie Anderson is 68. Actor Kelly LeBrock is 61. The Woman in Red. Singer Anita Bryant is 81. Actor Martin Short is 71. Harmonica player Lee Oskar of War is 73.
BassistDougie Thomson of Supertramp is 70. Actor Jim Parsons is 48. Film critic Gene Shalit is 95. Actor Paul Michael Glaser of Starsky and Hutch is 78. Musician Elton John is 74. Actor Sarah Jessica Parker is 56. Actor Alan Arkin is 87. Actor James Caan is 81. Actor Johnny Crawfordof The Rifleman is 75. He was also a Mouseketeer. Singer Steven Tyler of Aerosmith is 73. Singer-actor Vicki Lawrence is 72. Country singer Ronnie McDowell is 71. The King is Gone. Talk show host Leeza Gibbons is 64. Actor Jennifer Grey is 61. Country singer Kenny Chesney is 53. Actor Michael York is 79. Keyboardist Tony Banks of Genesis is 71. Jazz musician Dave Koz is 58. Movie director Quentin Tarantino is 58.
Neil Diamond just turned 80. He was asked if there was a song he wishes he had written. He answered, “All the time, I think about that. I love Randy Newman. Any song he has ever written, I wish I wrote it.” He also said that he will always have a special place in his heart for the Monkees’ hit he wrote, I’m a Believer, because it was his first No.1 song around the world.
Yaphet Kotto, James Bond villain and Alien star, died at 81. In “Live and Let Die,” he portrayed the corrupt Caribbean dictator Dr. Kananga, as well as his drug pushing alter ego, Mr. Big. Designer, Jessica McClintock, died at 90. In the 70’s we all wanted a Jessica McClintock dress. Hillary Clinton wore one of her designs to her 1975 wedding to Bill Clinton. Definitely a style we all remember. Los Angeles Lakers, Hall of Fame player, Elgin Baylor, died at 86. No. 22 served his country as a U.S. Army reservist, often playing for the Lakers only during his weekend pass.
Nutcracker Market SPRING. April 16-18, 2021. It is the same Nutcracker Market, but in the spring with flowers, and all things new. New Season. Different Vibe. Same Joyful Feeling. All tickets must be purchased in advance because there will not be any available at the market. Tickets are day specific, and quantities are limited. You must wear a mask. If this is too soon, then hang around for 40th Anniversary Nutcracker Market – THE REDO. November 11-14. I hope this is a wise choice. COVID, be damned.
Outlanders has officially been renewed for Season 7 and will be taken from the book, Echo in the Bone. I hate getting caught up in a series like this because of the time it takes, but I certainly enjoyed watching the first 4 seasons. There will be ten books in total, all written by Diana Gabaldon, so it looks like there is plenty of story left to tell of Jamie and Claire. Season 6 expected to premiere later this year. I am on 5.
Gardeners and farmers have long followed the age-old practice of “Planting and Gardening by the Moon” for a healthier, more productive garden. The basic idea behind Gardening by the Moon is that the cycles of the Moon affect plant growth. Just as the Moon’s gravitational pull causes tides to rise and fall, it also affects moisture in the soil. Therefore, it is said that seeds will absorb more water during the full Moon and the new Moon, when more moisture is pulled to the soil surface. This causes seeds to swell, resulting in greater germination and better-established plants. Planting by the Moon days are favorable for planting root crops, leafy vegetables & flowers.
Thank you: Debra, for the bee feeder. I will put some nectar in it and start feeding the poor bees. Next on my list, a butterfly feeder. The freeze took care of all the flowers and milkweed, so they need us desperately right now. To Verda at Panera for a great smile, wonderful attitude, and letting me know that I can use my phone number when I pay for my food, so it goes towards my rewards. The little plastic scanner thing I had on my key ring fell off a while back, and they always told me at the window that I must go online to get my credits. Hah. Thank you, Verda, for the truth!! To Julie and the girls at Medicine Shoppe for my first vaccine. Drive thru and so easy. You are the best! Mark keeps me in line as I write this column each week. An occasional Thursday morning phone call lets me know if I messed up, or if “he loved it.” He had a birthday last week and says that birthdays are just numbers, and his is unlisted.😊Duane the postman is so nice. He retrieved a package for my daughter yesterday, brought it to my office door, and earned himself a sleeve of Girl Scout shortbread cookies. Thank you.
Those of you that know who Jared Leto is will understand this. For those that do not, Leto has been on People magazine’s list of Most Beautiful People in the World in ‘95, ‘96, and ‘97 (maybe more),and was voted PETA’s World’s Sexiest Vegetarian in 2014.He won an Oscar, a Critics’ Choice, and a Golden Globe for Dallas Buyers Club. He got the part of Rayon, a transgender woman, after a Skype call with the director that he took, dressed as a woman. He has over 10 million followers on Instagram. He is 5’ 9” tall and weighs about 155 lbs. Well, his new role will be playing the balding Paolo Gucci in “House of Gucci” and he is definitely, unrecognizable. It is described as “a funky Dr. Phil” with bald and receding grey hair, heavy wrinkles, and a hefty amount of added weight. Amazing transformation. The movie will follow the murder of Maurizio Gucci(former head of the Gucci fashion house) by his ex-wife, played by Lady Gaga. I bet there are some great outfits. The film also stars Adam Driver, Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Jack Huston, and Reeve Carney, and is set to be released Thanksgiving. What a cast!
“I’m annoyed by the fact that Lady Gaga is portraying me in the new Ridley Scott film without even having the courtesy or the good sense to come and meet me. It’s nothing to do with the money because I won’t be taking a single cent from the film.” Patrizia Reggiani, real-life “Black Widow” who was released from prison in 2016, after her conviction for her role in the murder-for-hire plot of ex-husband Maurizio Gucci. Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed.
I typically refrain from political posts, but this is a cause I feel strongly about. What we really need is wider and shorter plates of nachos. No more tall towers of chips and toppings. Spread the toppings across a larger area and cover all the chips, not just the top layer. STAND WITH ME. Facebook
Countries where more than half the population is overweight, such as the US and the UK, have recorded much higher death rates from Covid-19. As Covid-19 cases continue to slide, California may soon allow fans to attend Major League Baseball games. Well, let’s see if those cases are still “sliding” in one month. The CDC says schools can space students 3-feet apart instead of 6-feet, a move that could open the door to more in-person learning.
The Barking Mat sells for $69.99 (right now) and allows your dog to send you a text when he wants to go out. Place the Barking Mat by the door that you use to let him/her out and as soon as your pooch steps on the mat, you will receive a notification, either text or chime sounds. If you do not make it there in time, the mat doubles as a pee pad holder and wipes clean with a damp towel. Clever. Thanks for reading us this week. Stay safe, and please sign up to get vaccinated. If you cannot find a location online, then pick up your phone and call a real person at each location.
Lisa
